Why it is Important That a Wakeboard Floats
Why it is important that a wakeboard floats?
Floating or buoyancy is a physics term that essentially means that the density and volume of an object placed in a fluid create a situation in which the object does not sink. Neutral buoyancy occurs when the objects mass is equal to the volume of the fluid displaced. Wakeboard construction has evolved over the past several years since its introduction as a sport in the early 1980’s. The first wakeboards were essentially just downsized surfboards that were designed to float on top of moving water. These old style wakeboards were difficult to master and inhibited many athletes from attempting the sport. Late in the 1980’s, neutral buoyancy wakeboards were introduced. Neutral buoyancy boards neither floats nor sink, which made the addition of bindings or foot attachment feasible. They also made it possible for riders to easily mount the boards while in the water. This development made the sport easier for beginners and more manageable for experienced wakeboarders to perform skilled maneuvers.
